Why Should You Visit?
What comes to mind when you think of the Texas revolution? Most people will conjure images of the Alamo and brave volunteers from all over the U.S. willing to sacrifice all for their beloved Texas, but the story begins much earlier. To understand how we arrive at the Alamo, you’ll need to look a little deeper into what was going on before, between the Mexican government and the newly-arrived Texians.
You’ve probably heard of Stephen F. Austin referred to as the father of Texas. San Felipe de Austin is where he brought the first U.S. settlers (The Old 300) into what was then, Mexico. You can think of San Felipe de Austin as a large piece of the origin story to Texas as we know it today.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
Texas History
The Texas Revolution
Settlers/Pioneers
Where to Begin Your Field Trip:
There are three main sections to see.
The New (2018) Indoor Museum
The Historical Walking Trail
The Original Historic Site (Across the Street from the Museum)
Our advice on where to begin varies by the season. If it’s during the Texas summer, consider going to the two outdoor areas first, and then cool off in the air-conditioned museum. If the weather isn’t a factor we recommend starting at the indoor museum.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
The new museum is an impressive facility. Begin your visit with a short film featuring Angelina Eberly, the town’s tavern keeper. She will explain what was taking place here during the town’s heyday. The artifacts and exhibits are displayed thoughtfully. Several hi-tech and interactive features will engage students such as a huge touch screen of the bustling town to explore, and a chance to vote as a delegate on the political issues of the time.
The walking trail is where you’ll need some imagination. The townspeople were ordered to burn their own buildings to the ground and flee during the part of Texas history known as The Runaway Scrape. The interpretive signs have a map and description of where homes and businesses were once standing so you can get an idea of the size and scope of the town. Many artifacts have been recovered from the grounds (some of them burnt!) A collection of items is viewable inside the museum.
Across the street is the original historic site. Here you will find the only item to survive the fires, a water well. There’s also a replica of Stephen F. Austin’s log cabin, a restored general store built after the fires, and a commemorative statue and obelisk.
The Basics
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
220 2nd St.
San Felipe, TX 77473
Open Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adult $10
Child (5-14) $5
Seniors/Veterans $8
Family Ticket (2 adults/2 children) $22
Additional Family Adults $5
Additional Children $2
Active Military and Families $0
Tips for Visitors
Bring souvenir money. There is a nice gift shop in the museum with plenty of items to complement this field trip. Our 4th grader chose a quill pen and ink.
If you plan to come with a class or homeschool group, here is information on school field trips.
Admission fees reflect the new indoor museum. The outdoor exhibits are free.
Stephen F. Austin State Park is nearby.
Additional Resources
Children’s Reader: Stephen F. Austin – The Father of Texas by Harriet Isecke
Darice Wooden Model Covered Wagon Kit
Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself by Rachel Dickinson
Pioneer Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes by David C. King
